Everton due ‘big’ decision amid ‘incredible’ turn of events – David Ornstein

Everton supporters will feel like their fortunes have changed overnight, after so long of having to wait for a light at the end of the tunnel.

For months and years, takeover talk fell through, games on the pitch were lost in an abject manner, and relegation threats loomed large.

But the appointment of owners who know what they want, with a proven ruthless streak with managers – especially this season – who have now brought David Moyes back to Goodison Park, has returned all optimism to the blue corner of Merseyside.

Everton have key Kevin Thelwell decision to make

Everton have plenty of decisions to make as they set up base at the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium and lay the foundations for what they hope to be an illustrious future.

Moyes and the Friedkin Group appear to be the driving forces behind it, but another massive figure in the process is Kevin Thelwell.

The director of football at Goodison has made some astute signings and his activity has sometimes gone under the radar, when players have not previously repaid his faith.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein posted on X (16 February) how the Toffees have a huge decision on their hands, with Thelwell’s Everton contract expiring this summer before the stadium move.

“Incredible upturn at Everton – especially considering virtually unprecedented circumstances and troubles for Everton on and off the pitch in recent years.

“Sporting director Kevin Thelwell is out of contract in the summer, so it’s a big decision ahead.”

Thelwell signed many important Toffees players

From the ownership to the directors, the manager and the players, the whole footballing operation of a club has to run like circuitry and for too long at Everton, that was far from the case.

These days, it appears to be a lot more efficient and fans have seen their luck change dramatically since Moyes‘ arrival, with their side now unbeaten in five to almost guarantee Premier League survival, four of them wins and the other coming in a Merseyside derby that will always be remembered.

Moyes is getting the best out of Thelwell’s signings, who were failing to produce anywhere near often enough under Sean Dyche – a manager who was at least keeping the Toffees afloat and avoiding total disaster which would have taken the club’s progress back years.

Since arriving from his role as Head of Sport in MLS with New York Red Bulls in February 2022, Thelwell has overseen the arrival of 22 players – among them the likes of Beto, Jake O’Brien and the now-injured Iliman Ndiaye, who have been superb in recent weeks.

It will be interesting to discover the Friedkins’ approach on Thelwell’s future, as Everton look to make the savvy decisions necessary to elevate themselves forward as rapidly as possible.

Beto makes new transfer admission after what has happened at Everton

Everton have struggled in the final third this season, but look to have found a new hero in Beto.

Upon David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had scored two goals across the campaign, while both Beto and Armando Broja scored one each.